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LOT 2065
Scandinavian Pre-Viking Bronze Patrix Die with God and Drinking Horn
4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 in. (7.62 grams, 37 mm).
Modelled in the half-round, advancing figure with bent legs and holding a drinking horn. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
LiteratureCf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, plate XCVIII, for similar examples.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 2065
Scandinavian Pre-Viking Bronze Patrix Die with God and Drinking Horn
Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
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Viking Age Bronze Ring with Cabochon
Circa 9th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Comprising a D-section hoop with flared plaques on the shoulders, a circular bezel with claws, set with an amber-coloured glass cabochon. 3.12 grams, 23.33 mm overall, 16.63 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I 1/2, USA 4 1/2, Europe 8.07, Japan 7)
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Viking Silver-Gilt Elfshot Pendant with Stone Arrowhead
9th-11th century A.D. and earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £845
Comprising a silver sleeve with a knapped flint arrowhead, a circular cell set with a clear glass cabochon above. 3.46 grams, 44.84 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
This amulet was believed to offer protection against 'Elfshot'. The attack of elves was believed responsible for mysterious suffering in men and livestock: sudden shooting pains localised to a particular area of the body, such as in rheumatism, arthritis, or muscle stitches or cramps. Elves were thought to shoot darts or arrows where such pains had no obvious external cause. Belief in elfshot persisted into the 20th century in rural areas, and as proof, country folk would sometimes find small arrowheads (the remains of Neolithic or Mesolithic flints, or naturally-occurring spear-shaped stones) that were believed to be the magical weapons that caused the afflictions. Belief in elfshot began in the Pagan Germanic period. -
Viking Bronze Buckle with Wolf's Head
Circa 8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Comprising a trapezoidal openwork plate and integral buckle loop; the loop domed in section with triangular extension to the forward edge and raised billets, flat-section coiled tongue; the plate formed as a facing lupine head with reserved running zigzag to each flanking foreleg attached to the rear of the loop; Western Baltic type. 26.89, 65.98 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.